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We all want to make sure we are moving towards our purpose in life. Many of us are wondering what that purpose even is. One thing that I have struggled with throughout the years has been confusion. Confusion about what God’s purpose is for my life. Confusion about specific decisions I needed to make between the “security” of a full-time job versus the desire to explore my entrepreneurial inclinations which in essence doesn’t offer consistent “security” at least in the beginning. Confusion about romantic relationships and whether having someone who cares about you should trump the feeling you have that they are not the one for you. I have always heard people in the church say, “God is not the author of confusion.” It’s a common quote, but though this is in the Bible, Paul was speaking specifically about prophesying. He was speaking about how important it was to have order when people in the church began to prophesy about the Church’s collective purpose and journey. The scripture says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” He was saying that the ultimate purpose of prophecy in the church was to bring peace and comfort.
But what about in our individual lives? What role does confusion play in our lives or should it have one at all? While it is true that the Bible states that God is not the author of confusion, there are indeed instances where God used confusion to further His will. In Exodus 14:24, God caused confusion among the Egyptians by creating darkness and hindering their pursuit of the Israelites. This confusion ultimately allowed the Israelites to escape from their oppressors. Similarly, in Genesis 11:1-9, God confused the speech of the people building the Tower of Babel to prevent them from completing their project, which was against His plan. So, while God is not the author of confusion in the sense that He didn’t create it nor does he cause chaos or disorder without purpose, He can use confusion strategically to accomplish His greater purposes.
I believe that when we as Christians get to a higher level of understanding of Him and have a better relationship with Christ and our purpose, there will be less of a need for confusion in our lives. In Romans 8:28 AMP, the scripture says, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” So we know that even confusion will be used by God if it will further His will. Our goal is to know the character of God so well, that our enduring faith will be enough to work with God so confusion is not a necessary driver of furthering the plans of God.
The confusion about what God’s plan is for our lives is unnecessary if we choose to have faith that whatever
God’s purpose is for us it will come to pass. What matters is our hearts and what motivates us. If we choose to value and treasure the things of this world, then we are not trustworthy weather vanes of God’s will, but if we treasure and value character, integrity, peace, joy, and giving, then we can be trusted to work with God to accomplish His will on earth.
We know because of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states that God is not a God of confusion but of peace that confusion does not come from God, but rather from other sources. Another scripture that addresses confusion is James 3:16, which says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." This verse suggests that confusion can arise from negative emotions and selfish motives. That’s where valuing good character and trustworthy behavior can be a benefit. Additionally, Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse implies that confusion can result from relying solely on our own understanding instead of seeking guidance from God.
When our desires and faith in God’s will in our lives work in tandem, then confusion won’t be present. In Amos 3:3 the scripture asks “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” There is a lot of confusion in the world today. It is normal to be unsure if the direction you’re going and the decisions you’re making is in line with what God wants you to do, especially if you’re Christian. In my life it has helped me to focus on trusting that because I know that my motivation is to do what’s right, to follow the principles that I believe make me a person of integrity, and to continue to read and believe in the Word of God. And just like it says in Romans 8:28, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
As long as we stay prayerful, keep our eyes on our values in life, and continue to exercise the faith in God that attests that He is going to use all things - the good, the bad, and the ugly - for our good regardless, it will help us lessen any confusion or uncertainty about what God’s will is in our lives. Focus on being grateful for what God has already done, continue to make strides one step at a time, and you will be able to Keep It Moving in the right direction!
One thing that helps me keep my eyes focused in the right direction and not fall into confusion is journaling. Writing out how I feel somehow helps me acknowledge it and realize that those thoughts might not be in line with the positive thoughts God has for us. My gratitude journals are designed for you to go through exercises that helped me in some of the most difficult times in my life. I pray it will help you too!
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